Garden herbs

Herb: Hop (Humulus Iupulus)

Background: The hop has been used in Britain since the 16th century.

Garden herb Type: Perennial.

Growing this herb: Hop seeds can be sown outside in late spring. The seedlings should be thinned to 15-30cm. The plants need support and should be kept well-watered if the weather is dry. Top dress the plants in spring . The hop can also be propagated by root division.

Soil condition and garden position: Rich, moist soil in light shade.

Appearance: The Hop is a vigorous vine. The female cones are a greenish yellow in colour and the male flowers have 5 tiny petals hanging in loose bunches.

Uses: In summer the young hop shoots can be boiled until tender and served with melted butter and a twist of lemon. They can also be used in soup. Pillows stuffed with dried hops are said to promote sleep and hop tea taken last thing at night is soothing. It is the female cones which are gathered, dried and used for beer and ale flavouring. This is the smell that hangs over Edinburgh on a damp, misty morning.

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